Melasma

Melasma is a darkening of the skin most commonly found in women. Melasma is often referred to as “pregnancy mask” as pregnant women are especially prone to this condition. This condition causes skin discoloration, which usually appears as brown, tan, or blue-gray spots on the cheeks, upper lip, forehead, nose, and upper arms. While the exact cause of Melasma remains unknown, there are triggers that have been studied to cause these dark patches to appear, namely: genetic predisposition, hormone production (which is why pregnant women are affected), over exposure to the sun, birth control pills, and certain medications derived from quinine.